I have searched here and online for this and you keep getting different answers. Im running like 230 which is super hot for these motors right. Btw its a 2006 cobalt ss/sc an i live in tucson az.

 

Anything between 180-220 is ok. Mine got hot like that when I lived in AZ. Turn AC on, it forces both fans to turn on, otherwise if the car has over 50k miles, get a coolant flush.

 

So 230i or higher is really bad then.

 

Mine stays at 178.. if you have HP tuners you can have the fans turn on at a lower temp

 

Yea i dont have on Jr thanks though.

 

When was the last time you had a coolant flush?

 

Just had one done.

 

Seeing that youre in AZ... 230 doesnt seem too hot for an ecotec, and especially if you drive long distances or are a spirited driver. Everyone posting here seems to be in colder climates hence lower coolant temps.

Did you have the thermosat replaced?

 

Before my tune my fans didn't come on till 220ish, now they pop on at 195. I would say 230 is a bit high. If you just had your coolant flushed, you most likely have a air pocket some place. I would let the car sit overnight, start the car and let it get up to operating temp (180F) and then drive around without the coolant cap for about 10mins, pull over check the coolant level. If its low you know you have a air pocket and just add more coolant and repeat. I've flushed cars where it took a few times doing it to get all the air out. The one big thing you need to remember is you shouldn't beat on the car while you are doing this or you will just push a ton of coolant out of the system. Slow and conservative driving will be best. Also don't forget to reinstall the cap afterwards.

 

Engine isnt over heating till 250*F.

 

Mine stays between 178 - maybe 210 hottest i've seen it

 

Unless I am stopped at a light or for an extended period of time with the engine running mine stays between 172 - 178. When it sits it will get up to 190+ but my fans kick on. I did see it get to 220-something once but after that I bought a new relay for the fans and I haven't seen it that high or even close sense.

 

Thanks everyone for the help.

 

I wanted to thank you for your post. I had replaced my radiator because I cracked it on a curb. Installed the new one and now I was running 15-20 degrees hotter. Took it to the shop because I could not figure it out. They said it was normal but after doing what you suggested I am now back down 15 degrees cooler. Good looking out

 

I have found after replacing a T-Stat that my system would not self bleed. After checking the T-Stat installation, I took John Powell's advice and filled through the upper radiator hose. My coolant level in the reservoir dropped near empty two times after I did that with no leaks, so i had a big ol' air pocket.

However, I still was not getting up to operating temperature quickly so I used a Vac n' Fill to vacuum out my cooling system. Worked better after that.

 

I just performed a head install on my car.

I had no issues with the cooling system bleeding.

It is a must to follow the correct fill instructions found in service/shop manuals for the LSJ.

Glad u got yours sorted out.

 

Did mine according to SI.